According to initial UNICEF estimates, at least 150,000 children were affected by the earthquake.

Grant Leaity, the UNICEF representative in Ecuador says, “We are in a race against time to protect children from disease and other risks common in such emergencies.”

UNICEF also recounted that according to government reports the earthquake has damaged 119 schools, which has affected 88,000 children. Around 805 buildings have been completely destoyed and 608 have been damaged. In Portoviejo and Chone, two hospitals have completely collapsed.

UNICEF has stated concerns about diseases such as Zika, dengue, malaria and chikungunya in the coastal areas, as the sanitation situation in those areas worsens.

Currently, there are UNICEF teams in Pedernales and Esmeraldas, two of the hardest hit areas.